Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a pivotal meeting with Union Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in Shimla. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of compliance with Himachal Pradesh’s energy policy, which mandates royalty rates of twelve percent for the initial twelve years, eighteen percent for the following eighteen years, and thirty percent for the final ten years in power projects. While private firms are adhering to this policy, the Chief Minister urged central PSUs to align with it as well.
Government’s Readiness to Take Over Major Hydropower Projects
The Chief Minister expressed the State Government’s willingness to take over the Luhri Phase-One, Sunni Project, and Dhaulasidh hydropower projects if SJVNL does not comply with the energy policy. He assured that Himachal Pradesh would reimburse SJVNL for any costs incurred to date, pointing out that SJVNL began work on these projects without signing an implementation agreement. The Union Minister directed SJVNL officials to provide a final response by mid-January of next year.
Request for the Return of Shanan Project to Himachal Pradesh
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also raised the issue of the Shanan Project in Mandi district, which Himachal Pradesh seeks to regain from Punjab following the expiration of Punjab’s lease. He appealed to the Union Government for intervention, asserting that the Punjab Re-organization Act of nineteen sixty-six does not apply as the Shanan Project area was never part of Punjab.
Demand for Power Arrears from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)
The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to direct BBMB to release the outstanding power arrears owed to Himachal Pradesh for the period from November of nineteen ninety-six to October of two thousand eleven. He highlighted that despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the State, Himachal Pradesh has yet to receive its due share. The Union Minister pledged to convene a meeting with relevant states to resolve the issue.
Acceleration of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
The Union Power Minister directed state officials to expedite the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, emphasizing the need for smart metering and reduced power losses in Himachal Pradesh. This step aims to modernize and enhance the state’s power distribution efficiency.
Review of Urban Development Initiatives
The two leaders reviewed progress on various Union-funded urban development projects, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, Urban Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Solid Waste Management. The Chief Minister requested substantial financial support from the Centre, considering the challenging geography of Himachal Pradesh. The Union Minister assured continued backing from the Union Government.
